Director of Engineering

Engineering Director – GCC Region

Location
: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (covering GCC markets: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE)

Salary
: £120,000 + comprehensive package

Sector
: Aerial & Powered Access / Construction Equipment & Rental

A leading player in the regional construction equipment and rental industry is seeking an accomplished Engineering Director to drive the performance, safety, and operational excellence of its extensive fleet across the GCC.

This strategic leadership role is based in Riyadh and suits an individual already located in Saudi Arabia or with substantial professional experience (minimum 5 years) managing engineering operations in the Kingdom.

The Opportunity

The Engineering Director will lead all engineering and maintenance activities across the business, ensuring equipment reliability, safety, compliance, and maximum operational efficiency. Working closely with the executive team, the postholder will help shape investment strategy, innovate engineering standards, and implement best-in-class maintenance practices to support continued growth across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the company's engineering strategy in alignment with business objectives and expansion plans.
• Advise on CAPEX decisions for fleet investments, upgrades, and replacements.
• Contribute to organisational strategic planning, particularly around asset management and sustainability goals.

Maintenance and Reliability Excellence

• Lead all maintenance, repair, and servicing operations across the regional fleet, minimising downtime and maximising equipment uptime.
• Implement predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance programmes.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics to drive operational reliability.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee audits and ensure adherence to safety and compliance standards.

Team Leadership

• Direct and develop engineering teams across multiple sites, fostering collaboration, technical excellence, and accountability.
• Instil a strong culture of safety, performance, and professional development.
• Set and monitor KPIs while supporting HR with workforce planning and performance management.

Budget and Cost Control

• Manage departmental budgets, including labour, maintenance, and capital expenditure.
• Identify efficiency gains through process improvement, digitalisation, and vendor optimisation.
• Oversee the sourcing of parts, tools, and workshop equipment.

Fleet and Asset Management

• Lead life-cycle management from acquisition through to disposal.
• Introduce data-driven fleet performance tools and telematics systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Recommend asset replacement and investment priorities based on ROI and utilisation data.

Innovation and Sustainability

• Drive modernisation across fleet and workshop operations, adopting technologies such as automation, electrification, and hybrid systems.
• Partner with OEMs and technology providers to remain at the forefront of engineering innovation.
• Support company-wide sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Leadership

• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring strict compliance with QHSE policies and regional regulations.
• Lead investigations and corrective actions following incidents.
• Embed proactive safety behaviours through training, communication, and leadership example.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years' senior leadership experience within Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC.
• Proven track record in engineering or technical operations within the heavy plant, construction equipment, or rental industries.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems.
• Experienced in leading large, multi-site teams within complex, fast-paced environments.
• Commercially astute, with demonstrated success managing budgets and capital programs.
• Proficient in asset management software, telematics, and data analytics.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cultural awareness skills.

This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary engineering leader to make a lasting impact across a dynamic and ambitious regional business.

Interested candidates currently based in Saudi Arabia or with substantial GCC experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Unfortunately, due to our high number of applications we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you do not hear back within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.